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Newsdesk

Defence strategy key to regional peace, says President Zardari

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Defence strategy

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer that Pakistan is a responsible and peace-loving nuclear state.

In his message, Zardari said May 28, 1998, marked a historic milestone that made Pakistan’s defence “invincible” and granted the country strategic sovereignty.

He said Pakistan developed its nuclear programme in line with national security requirements and paid tribute to the country’s scientists and armed forces for their contributions.

The president noted that despite international pressure and sanctions, Pakistan protected its national interests and maintained its strategic direction.

He added that Pakistan’s defence strategy contributes to peace and stability in the region, stressing that modern warfare now includes cyber warfare, artificial intelligence and drone technology.

Zardari said Pakistan harbours no aggressive intentions against any country but warned that any act of aggression would be met with a swift and strong response.

Youm-e-Takbeer is observed annually on May 28 to mark Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Chaghai, Balochistan, conducted in response to India’s nuclear tests in 1998.

Actor Nicolas Cage changes name to ‘Nick Cage’

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Actor Nicolas Cage

Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage has revealed that he legally changed his name last year and is now officially known as “Nick Cage.”

Speaking to Variety, the Oscar-winning actor said he decided to fully embrace the Cage identity both professionally and personally.

“I am Nick Cage. I changed my name legally last year,” he said. “I’m Nick Cage in life, and I’m Nick Cage on camera.”

Born Nicolas Kim Coppola, Cage said he wanted to step away from the shadow of the famous Coppola family dynasty.

“‘Tis better to be the patriarch of my own little family than the clown cousin on the margins of someone else’s, so I decided I’m going to bring it on and be ‘Cage,’” he added.

The actor said he chose to keep the first name “Nicolas” because it was given to him by his father, although he joked about the French spelling of the name, which often leads people to incorrectly add an “h.”

Cage previously explained that his adopted surname was inspired by Marvel character Luke Cage and avant-garde composer John Cage.

“I decided, I don’t need this, and I changed it to Cage,” he earlier told Wired, describing the name as “short and sweet.”

Despite the legal change, the actor said he is comfortable with fans referring to him as either Nicolas Cage or Nick Cage.

The actor is currently preparing for upcoming projects including the series Spider-Noir and the NFL biopic Madden.

Wasim Akram’s ‘inswing yorker’ at Jamarat goes viral

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Wasim Akram

MINA, Saudi Arabia: Legendary cricketer Wasim Akram performed Hajj this year and caught attention on social media after adopting a unique style during the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat.

Several well-known Pakistani personalities from different walks of life performed Hajj this year, including former cricketers Misbah-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram, along with actors Fakhr-e-Alam, Bilal Abbas Khan and Dur-e-Fishan Saleem.

A viral video circulating on social media shows Wasim Akram throwing pebbles at the Jamarat in his trademark bowling style, appearing to deliver inswing yorkers before celebrating as if he had bowled a batter out.

The video also shows Misbah-ul-Haq and Fakhr-e-Alam performing the ritual in a regular manner, while Akram’s playful gesture drew smiles from nearby pilgrims and security personnel present at the site.

Social media users have been widely sharing the clip, posting mixed and humorous reactions to the former fast bowler’s unique approach during the ritual.

Neymar set to miss World Cup opener after calf injury

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Neymar set

SAO PAULO: Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendly matches and is expected to miss the World Cup opener after scans confirmed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Thursday.

CBF team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the 34-year-old forward would require two to three weeks of recovery following medical assessments at the national team camp.

“Neymar reported for duty yesterday here at Granja Comary, underwent all the medical tests, which concluded with an MRI scan revealing a grade-two calf injury,” Lasmar said. “He is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks.”

The doctor did not confirm whether Neymar could be dropped from the squad.

Neymar joined the national squad on Tuesday but missed Wednesday’s training session after complaining of swelling in his right calf. He was later sent for imaging tests at a private clinic in Teresópolis.

Medical scans confirmed a Grade 2 calf strain, which involves a partial tear of muscle fibres and requires rest and rehabilitation, differing from earlier assessments by his club Santos, which had described the issue as simple swelling.

As a result, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama at the Maracanã and the following match against Egypt in Cleveland. He is also unlikely to feature in Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey.

Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are placed in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.

Ancelotti has already been dealing with several absences, including defenders Gabriel Magalhães and Marquinhos and forward Gabriel Martinelli, who were unavailable due to Champions League commitments.

Neymar’s recall last week had generated excitement after he had been left out of Ancelotti’s plans during his first year in charge. The forward has scored 79 goals in 128 international appearances but has struggled with recurring injuries in recent years.

Brazil will now proceed with their preparations without their star forward.

Iran expects FIFA help on US visas ahead of World Cup

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Iran expects

TEHRAN: Iran Football Federation expects FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the Iranian national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, federation president Mehdi Taj said on Thursday.

“FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter the United States and return to Mexico,” Taj said in remarks broadcast by Iranian media.

Known as Team Melli, the Iranian squad had initially planned to set up its training base in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. However, the team later shifted its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, which will co-host the World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.

West Indies announce Test series schedule against Pakistan

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West Indies

ST JOHN’S: Cricket West Indies has announced the schedule for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, confirming fixtures to be played in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Pakistan national cricket team will tour the West Indies in July for a two-Test series, with both matches scheduled in Trinidad.

The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, marking the first-ever Test match to be hosted at the venue.

The second and final Test of the series will take place from August 2 to 6 at Queen’s Park Oval.

UN report raises alarm over extreme heat in 2027

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UN report

UNITED NATIONS: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that global average temperatures are likely to remain at record-high levels or increase further between 2026 and 2030, with the possibility of a new hottest year on record in the coming years.

In its latest outlook, the UN weather agency said 11 of the hottest years on record have occurred since 2015, and the trend is expected to continue in the years ahead.

The report said there is a 75% chance that the global average temperature between 2026 and 2030 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels at least temporarily. Scientists say this threshold, set under the Paris Agreement, is critical to limiting dangerous climate change.

The WMO also said there is an 86% probability that at least one year during the 2026–2030 period will surpass 2024 and become the hottest year on record.

The agency noted that an El Niño weather pattern is likely to re-emerge by the end of 2026, potentially pushing global temperatures higher in 2027. El Niño is known to intensify heatwaves, droughts, storms and disrupt global weather systems.

Meanwhile, several European countries are already experiencing extreme heat, with the United Kingdom and France recording multiple temperature highs for May.

The report further warned that the Arctic region could warm at a rate three times faster than the global average over the next five years, accelerating ice melt and raising sea levels.

Experts said that without significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world could face more severe climate crises, including food shortages, water scarcity and natural disasters.

Cooper Connolly replaces injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia ODI squad

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Cooper Connolly

SYDNEY: Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Australian media reported.

In his place, Cooper Connolly has been included in the Kangaroos squad for the series.

Marsh, who was expected to captain Australia in the ODI series, will miss the tour after sustaining the injury.

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been named captain in Marsh’s absence for the three-match series.

The first ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 30 in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore.

Australia made the squad change following Marsh’s unavailability as the team prepares for the limited-overs series in Pakistan.

Meera shares behind the scenes detail of film ‘Psycho’ role

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Meera shares

KARACHI: Senior actress Meera has revealed that the key role in the film Psycho was originally written by actor Shaan Shahid for himself before it was eventually given to her.

In a recent joint interview, Meera and Shaan Shahid discussed their film Psycho, which was released in cinemas under the banner of Geo Films.

Meera praised Shaan’s work in the film, saying he had made a strong production and that she still felt connected to her character.

“I am still in the character and now I want to come out of it,” she said, adding that she considers herself a director-actor and should not be cast without strong direction.

The actress also revealed that Shaan had originally planned to play the film’s central character himself.

Supporting her statement, Shaan Shahid confirmed that he had written the role for himself and had even imagined how he would portray a “psycho” character before deciding to pass it on to Meera.

The film Psycho was released recently and features an ensemble cast including Shaan Shahid, Sonia Hussain, Meera, Shabbir Jan and others.

PM Shehbaz extends Eid al-Azha greetings, urges unity and sacrifice

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the occasion of Eid al-Azha extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Pakistan and Muslims around the world, calling on the nation to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, compassion and unity.

In his message marking 10 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH, corresponding to May 27, 2026, the prime minister said Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of the devotion and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Prophet Ismail in submitting to the command of Allah.

He said the sacred tradition teaches Muslims to sacrifice personal desires and interests for higher and noble causes, describing such sacrifice as the true essence of faith and loyalty.

Sharif said the spirit of sacrifice encourages people to rise above selfishness and adopt values of empathy, selflessness and social responsibility toward humanity.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the country’s martyrs who lost their lives defending the nation and in incidents of terrorism, calling their sacrifices a source of national pride.

He urged citizens to remember underprivileged and deserving people during Eid celebrations and to ensure they are included in the festivities.

Sharif said unity, sacrifice and collective harmony are essential for lasting national solidarity and sustainable progress.

He also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and Kashmir, saying the nation stands with oppressed Muslims in both regions.

The prime minister prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity across the world and asked Allah to accept the sacrifices and worships of Muslims.